Episode 46: Thus Spoke the Emperor – Interlude
Except for the fact that Setsu, who had been traveling, was no longer there, everyday life continued unchanged. With Setsu, who had acted as the older sister figure keeping the children together, gone, I found myself being called upon by the children more often. My busy days were just a little bit more hectic than before.
I had regained enough mobility to manage daily life without major issues, but the aftereffects of using my last resort hadn't fully faded. With my joints aching and muscles tense all over, I was completely wiped out by the end of each day and would sleep like a log. I was swallowed up by that kind of life.
―――And it was one night, some time after Raoul and the others had set out on their journey.
"Saint-sama, there's a rainbow in the sky! "
The words of the nun who rushed in stirred a strange unease within me. Stepping outside the church, I saw an aurora stretching endlessly across the sky. Indeed, a rainbow in the sky. It was so aptly put that I couldn't help but admire how skillfully it was expressed. But more than that, seeing that aurora made me feel something.
"……Setsu."
There wasn't any clear reason, but seeing that aurora—I intuitively understood…… that Setsu had passed away. Something had happened during their trip.
……It was probably something beyond their control, a fate that couldn't be changed even if Raoul and Falty were together.
So I don't blame Raoul or Falty or that calamity, but still, I feel like I might be crushed by sadness.
Amidst it all, an unseasonal snow began to fall steadily, quietly.
The children still awake outside my window were cheering at the sight of snow beginning to fall. Amidst the falling snow, I saw a particularly large ice crystal drifting slowly down toward me.
Catching it gently with both palms to prevent it from falling to the ground, the crystal bounced once lightly on my hands before shattering and vanishing.
"……You came back, just as you promised."
I didn't know whether to cry or praise Setsu for mustering her last strength to return here, but even then, in case Setsu was watching, I forced myself to smile as brightly as I could.
"You're such a kind girl. My pride and joy of a daughter"
Gently, as if lamenting the vanished crystal, I declared. Seeing my state, the other nuns around me understood what was happening and were filled with sorrow, trembling.
……I'm sure that child saved us. Though she was always quiet and spoke haltingly, she was kind to the other children. That's why I wanted to see her off with a smile, not tears.
As the snow fell and piled up, I kept gazing up at the sky until the aurora vanished.
―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Chapter Four・End
If you enjoy the translations, you can support me by donations or read “Beyond the Hero’s Death” ahead in patreon.
Disabling your ad blocker for this site is also appreciated, worry not, there are no intrusive ads shown.
Sousaku - 創作 - We Create! 